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THE STORY:

Lewis Fogle of Pennsylvania was exonerated in September 2015 after serving 34 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Lewisisnow one of the more than 335 people in the United States who have been proven innocent by DNA testing since 1989. The Innocence Project provided direct representation or critical assistance in more than 175 of these cases.

Mr. Fogle always maintained his innocence and no physical evidence connected him to the crime, yet he was convicted based solely on the testimony of three jailhouse informants.

DNA testing conducted by the IP on crime scene evidence in 2005 produced inconclusive results and police repeatedly insisted that all other evidence had been lost or destroyed. Eight years later, after additional efforts by the IP, critical “missing” evidence was found and additional DNA testing conclusively excluded Mr. Fogle. With the assistance of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and the cooperation of the Indiana County District Attorney, Mr. Fogle was exonerated.

Today, Mr. Fogle is enjoying spending time with his grandchild. He also continues to paint; a talent that helped him survive his long ordeal in prison.

Lewis Fogle's story—and the collective experiences of the more than 335 DNA exonerees—provides vital support for the Innocence Project’s recommended reforms to improve eyewitness identification practices, mandate the electronic recording of interrogations, and enhance the reliability of forensic science.

With each new exoneration and policy achievement, the Innocence Project is working to shape a criminal justice system that inspires confidence, ensures public safety and protects individual liberty.

The Innocence Project has more than 250 clients around the country at any given time, and we continue to receive hundreds of letters each month from others seeking our assistance. Please donate to help free the innocent. Thank you!